Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive and Boost Guitar Effects Pedal

Introduction

The Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive and Boost Guitar Effects Pedal is a versatile unit designed for electric and acoustic guitars, synths, and keyboards. It combines six iconic drive circuit types into a two-channel pedal, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance of your Sunset pedal.

Key Features

• CLASSIC OVERDRIVE SOUND: The Sunset overdrive guitar pedal combines six iconic drive circuit types into a two-channel pedal for a wide range of tones. Enjoy custom versions of some of the most sought-after classic drive pedal designs, all in one pedal.
• TWO PEDALS AT ONCE: Sunset offers two independent overdrive pedals that are selectable and routable for complementary tones when stacked. With six distinct circuits, each pedal reacts differently, providing versatile options from transparent boost to heavy fuzz.
• QUICK TONE DIALING: Sunset features one tone knob on each side for easy sonic adjustments, and custom-calibrated knob ranges offer maximum control for each circuit. The stacking options are carefully designed for optimal interaction, ensuring killer tones with a huge range of overdrive flavors to choose from.
• SIX CLASSIC CIRCUITS: Sunset features six classic circuits, each meticulously crafted with an all-analog JFET gain stage and custom-voiced DSP algorithms. Experience the nuanced tones and character of iconic circuits with modern precision and clarity.
• OPTIMIZED STACKING: Use any of its six overdrive circuits individually, route Channel A through Channel B or vice versa, or use the two circuits in parallel. Each routing option is carefully chosen for the best-sounding combinations of drive circuits, eliminating guesswork. Designed and built in the USA.

Controls and Connections

The Sunset pedal features intuitive controls for each of its two independent overdrive channels (A and B), along with various input/output options.

Image: Front view of the Strymon Sunset pedal, showcasing its various knobs and footswitches.

Channel A Controls

• LEVEL: Adjusts the output volume of Channel A.
• DRIVE: Controls the amount of gain or overdrive for Channel A.
• TONE: Shapes the tonal characteristics of Channel A.
• GE/TEXAS/TREBLE Switch: Selects between Germanium, Texas, and Treble boost drive types for Channel A.

Channel B Controls

• LEVEL: Adjusts the output volume of Channel B.
• DRIVE: Controls the amount of gain or overdrive for Channel B.
• TONE: Shapes the tonal characteristics of Channel B.
• 2STAGE/HARD/JFET Switch: Selects between 2-Stage, Hard, and JFET drive types for Channel B.

Rear Panel Connections

Image: Rear view of the Strymon Sunset pedal, showing input, output, and expression pedal jacks.

• IN: Guitar/instrument input.
• OUT: Main audio output.
• FAV: Input for connecting an external MiniSwitch for favorite presets.
• EXP: Expression pedal input for simultaneous morphing control.
• 9VDC: Power input.
• BRIGHT Switch: 3-position switch to tailor highest frequencies.
• A->B / A+B / B->A Switch: Routing options for stacking channels.

Operation Modes

The Sunset pedal offers six distinct drive circuits, each with unique characteristics.

Channel A Drive Types

Image: Diagram illustrating the three drive types available on Channel A.

• Ge (Germanium): Combines the softer response of germanium diodes with a parallel path, offering transparent to mid-pushed drive.
• Texas: Employs a single stage soft-clipper with a mid bump, retaining original signal dynamics.
• Treble: A treble booster that removes low frequencies as the Tone knob is turned up, useful for tightening up sounds.

Channel B Drive Types

Image: Diagram illustrating the three drive types available on Channel B.

• 2Stage: Combines a soft-clipping stage followed by a hard-clipping stage for complex drive.
• Hard: Uses a single-stage hard-clipping circuit with a ton of available gain, approaching fuzz territory with the Drive knob maxed.
• JFET: A clean boost that subtly beefs up your signal with dynamics and responsiveness created from the JFET front end.

Stacking Options

Sunset offers flexible routing options for combining its two independent overdrive pedals.

Image: Rear view of the pedal highlighting the A/B routing switch.

• A->B: Routes Channel A's drive circuit through Channel B.
• B->A: Routes Channel B's drive circuit through Channel A.
• A+B: Uses both circuits in parallel, blending their sounds.

Each routing option is carefully chosen for the best-sounding combinations of drive circuits, eliminating guesswork.

Official Product Video

Video: An in-depth demonstration of the Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive and Boost Guitar Effects Pedal, showcasing its various drive types and stacking capabilities. The video features a guitarist demonstrating the pedal's sounds with different settings.

Setup

Power Requirements

• The Sunset pedal requires a 9VDC power supply. Ensure the power supply is center-negative and provides sufficient current (250 Microamps).

Connecting Your Pedal

• Connect your instrument (guitar, synth, keyboard) to the IN jack.
• Connect the OUT jack to your amplifier or next pedal in the signal chain.
• For advanced control, connect an expression pedal to the EXP jack or a MiniSwitch to the FAV jack.
• Connect the 9VDC power supply to the pedal.
• Use the BRIGHT Switch on the rear panel to tailor the highest frequencies.
• Utilize the A->B / A+B / B->A Switch to select your desired routing for stacking channels.

Operating Instructions

Engaging Overdrive

• Press the footswitch for Channel A or Channel B to engage the respective overdrive. The LED indicator will illuminate when active.

Adjusting Drive and Tone

• Use the DRIVE knob to control the amount of distortion.
• Use the TONE knob to adjust the brightness or darkness of the sound.

Selecting Drive Types

• Use the 3-position toggle switches for Channel A and B to select different drive types as described in the 'Operation Modes' section.

Maintenance

• Keep the pedal clean and free from dust.
• Avoid exposing the pedal to extreme temperatures or moisture.
• Use only the specified power supply to prevent damage.

Troubleshooting

No Sound

• Check all cable connections (input, output, power).
• Ensure the power supply meets the pedal's requirements (9VDC, center-negative, 250mA).
• Verify that the pedal is engaged (LEDs are on).

Unwanted Noise

• Ensure proper grounding of your equipment.
• Use a high-quality isolated power supply.
• Check for faulty cables.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This product comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For detailed warranty information and support, please visit the official Strymon website or contact their customer service.

Designed and built in the USA.